With the 2022 Formula 1 World Championship in the past, many have turned to highlight the career of four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel, who is officially a retired F1 driver.
The German enjoyed an illustrious career that began at the 2007 United States Grand Prix, where he replaced Robert Kubica at BMW-Sauber as a result of the Pole being declared unfit to race.
He went on to have a successful rookie campaign with Toro Rosso in 2008, where he achieved his maiden win at the Italian Grand Prix.
What followed was a highly successful six-year spell at Red Bull, where he claimed four consecutive titles from 2010-2013.
READ: Max Verstappen reveals disappointment with these race circuits
The 35-year-old cemented his place as the Austrians most successful driver, a feat that not even Max Verstappen has matched quite yet.
Like Verstappen, though, Vettel had his controversial moments whilst racing for the energy drink-owned side.
Somewhat famously, Vettel defied team orders at the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix, where he was instructed not to overtake team-mate Mark Webber, who was leading the race.
Webber was understandably furious with Vettel, who went on to claim the win, with many comparing Verstappen’s team order defiance at Interlagos to the Malaysia incident dubbed ‘Multi21’.
Multi21 was the radio code that Vettel was given to maintain second place and not fight Webber, something he failed to do.
Interestingly, Red Bull boss Christian Horner has revealed that Verstappen and Sergio Pérez are more difficult to handle than Vettel and Webber were, a time that he labels as “incredible”.
“Compared to our current drivers, easy,” Horner joked when talking to Sky Germany.
He added: “They (Vettel and Webber) were a great pair.
“We had some fantastic times when you look back now at what we did together. We’re all a bit older. Some a bit bigger.
“It was incredible, an incredible time for the team. Incredible time for these guys (Vettel and Webber).”
Continuing with a discussion about Vettel, Horner was asked about comments made by Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko, who suggested that their former driver could return to the side in a management role.
The Brit hailed Vettel as “part of our history” and someone who he’s had “great times” with, so perhaps the fan favourite will be seen in a Red Bull garage in the future.
“Maybe as Helmut’s coach!” Horner laughed.
READ: Toto Wolff explains why no one will replicate Mercedes’ success as he blasts the team
“Helmut goes back a long way with Sebastian and incredible all the years. And what an unbelievable career you’ve (Vettel) had, everything you’ve achieved on track, what you’ve stood for off track, absolutely chapeau.
“For us at Red Bull, you’re a very special part of our history. We had some great times together.
“You kept me on my toes. You never gave me a quiet moment. But I loved every minute of it.”